Government cuts to blame for prison riot

Government cuts to prisons sparked a disturbance involving around 40 inmates at a jail in Kent, the Prison Officers' Association have warned. Police and fire crews had to be deployed to Maidstone Prison when the trouble erupted in one of the wings.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed that it was resolved last night. It is believed to have lasted more than three hours. A prison services spokeswoman said the incident had been resolved without any injuries to staff or prisoners. There was no evidence of damage, she added.

Prison Officers Association vice chairman Ralph Valerio said the Maidstone Prison riot was in response to new regime changes and staff cuts that resulted in prisoners having to spend more times in their cells. Mr Valerio said: 'As a trade union we have been warning against this for some time.'